Tax relief schemes such as the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) are playing a significant role in influencing investors to back companies in the UK. These schemes provide attractive incentives for investors to support early-stage businesses, making it an appealing proposition.
The recent changes in the SEIS, which allow companies to raise up to £250,000 from SEIS investments and extend eligibility rules, seem to have further boosted investor interest in backing early-stage ventures. The doubling of the amount individuals can invest through SEIS in a single tax year to £200,000 is likely to have contributed to the increased investment flow as well.
Climate tech appears to be a leading sector in receiving investments during a period of economic instability, possibly due to its alignment with sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is another sector that has caught the imagination of investors which may be due to the publicity and success surrounding Chat GPT.
However, it’s worth noting that the sentiment among crypto investors seems to be “stalled.” This could be due to various factors, such as regulatory uncertainties or market fluctuations that have affected the crypto investment landscape. Although, this may also be as a result of the UK lagging some other countries in accepting crypto as a “legitimate” form of investment, forcing many “crypto innovators” to seek more receptive geographical locations.
Overall, the data suggests that tax relief schemes are still playing a vital role in encouraging investment in early-stage businesses in the UK, with climate tech and AI being particularly attractive sectors. The dynamics of the crypto market, on the other hand, seem to be experiencing a period of stagnation, in the UK at least.
(Source: UKTN)